JAPAN: Sea Noon

Dark clouded the Yellow Sea. Long swaying fingers pointed skywardmasts.
Aboard the Japanese flagship Mikasa the captains of the fleet faced their
admiral across a lacquer tray containing the instruments used in
committing harakiri.

Heihachiro Togo, Admiral of the Fleet, spoke with low purring
earnestness. When he fell silent his captains filed past the lacquer
tray one by one. Their eyes met firmly the piercing glance of Togo.

None would allow himself to survive the disgrace of defeat in the
coming action. . . . When battle came, the Admiral stood for a whole...